Author: IWTTY Books

Lilah is a beast behind the wheel. She’s four. But that girl can maneuver a three point turn, looks back to navigate when she’s in reverse, and enforces the helmet rule. But she’s been driving around her five year old brother for over a year, and it’s now his turn to put the pedal to the metal.

 

Since we moved to the farm a month ago, that little red Chevrolet Silverado has had some off road miles put on it. I stuck Kenny in the driver seat about two weeks ago, and walk around behind him as he learns to keep the pedal down. He hasn’t paired the steering wheel with it yet, and I’m not sure if it’s the apraxia or what that is making that difficult. But it doesn’t really matter. He held the pedal down, and it was amazing.

 

We’re painting our house this week, and I’m not sure whose brilliant idea that was. But my husband and I are at our best when we’re immersed in a project side by side, so it has been a positive experience. I decided to let Kenny try out the little red truck while I painted a bit, and figured what could possibly go wrong, if I pointed the wheels straight forward, on the driveway, with nothing but grass on either side.

 

Yikes. I’m still not sure how it all happened, but all I know is I had to go full on linebacker mode, putting my shoulder into that grill, as I reached up and over to turn the key off. Pretty sure Kenny’s foot was still on the pedal full force, as I was yelling Stop! Stop! Stop!

 

I couldn’t help but snap a pic after he was “safe.” Who wouldn’t?! Look at that face! I sent it to my friend, and her response was… zoom in on his face, then slowly zoom out. She was right, it made the scene all the better.

 

I think I convinced my husband to sell the little Chevy, and the CRF50 dirtbike, to buy a little tiny side by side instead. Lilah has become quite the little driver, and Kenny sure loves offroading! I think it’s a safer choice than anyone on two wheels. Four wheels is scary enough.

Our internet started working yesterday, after not having WiFi for over five weeks. And this afternoon…. We have a power outage on the farm. Granted this morning I was lamenting over how we were sitting on the couch, watching Prime Video, when just yesterday we were forced to go outside to play for entertainment. But it’s Wednesday, and on Wednesdays we go to the therapy clinic, so everyone wakes up with the anticipation of work ahead. It was rather nice to plop everyone in front of the TV so I could pack the assorted snacks, communication device, colossal kids keyboard, and the various tricks I carry with us (this week it’s a tiny blue, shiny Mater and a big blue, shiny Mater from the movie Cars). Having Dora take the edge off everyone was a treat.

 

But here we are this evening, with no electicity, a crackling fire in the fireplace, two kids bundled in blankets eating popcorn and apples, watching Stinky & Dirty on my phone, while my husband and I watch the sun start to set, wondering what’s in store for the evening. There was a massive downpour, while Lilah drove Kenny around in the Big Wheels red truck, with daddy hot on the trail, hollering for them to stop. They didn’t. I was inside building a fire in the dark, when all three of them came inside dripping head to toe.

 

We’re supposed to have a farm party this week, but with thunderstorms in the weather report, I’m a little apprehensive about how this is all going to go. The plan is for about 20 kids to come out and plant some seeds in the garden, have a picnic, and go on a nature walk with the tiny magnifying glasses I bought. I’m not sure how that is going to work out, if there’s thunder and lightening. I suppose we could come inside, but that makes this type A clean freak cringe.

 

We’ve already had a lot of moms and kids come play around on the farm, feeding the sheep and playing t-ball in the backyard. I have such big hopes for this farm. I want it to be a sanctuary for all children, but especially those with different abilities. I researched sensory integration in nature yesterday, referred to as “Therapeutic Nature Immersion,” and loved what I read. I also read something to the effect of “a kid can’t bounce off the walls, if there are no walls.” So profound! And brilliantly simple.

I dream of this farm bringing a sense of calm and organization to Kenny’s brain. I dream of this farm giving Lilah an animal retreat, where she can spend time being just Lilah, and not Kenny’s sister. I dream of sharing this farm with children who want to splash in muddy puddles, and eat outside, and pick up wiggly worms and  feel them squirm in their fingers. I dream of moms of autistic kids who elope coming for an afternoon, and feeling safe to let their child be immersed in nature without being hyper vigilant. It’s all so…. dreamy.